SECRET SOUTH WALES
DON’T LET YOUR ENTIRE UNIVERSITY
EXPERIENCE BE LECTURE HALLS AND THE
STUDENTS UNION. SOUTH WALES HAS SOME
GREAT SECRETS TO EXPLORE AND BEN
BARKER SUGGESTS JUST A FEW OF THEM.
CWMCARN FOREST
Whether you fancy viewing the varying
green shades of Cwmcarn Forest
whizzing by as you hurtle down a dirt
track on two wheels, or prefer a more
leisurely stroll using the relative safety
of your own two legs, there’s something
for everyone in the urban-surrounded
forest. Even in the pouring rain you
don’t have to worry about bringing the
waterproofs, with a seven-mile scenic
drive on offer to allow you the pleasant
views from the comfort of your own car.
Just a stone’s throw away from Newport,
Cwmcarn provides a taste of nature a
little closer to home. There is a range
of walking trails varying in length and
difficulty, a lake for the keen fisher
(permit needed), and the adrenalinepumping Twrch Trail for experienced
cyclists. Refuel at the visitor centre
café, and even join the experts for one
of many programmes available at the
forest.
CRICKHOWELL
Situated on the edge of the
distinguished Brecon Beacons,
Crickhowell is a quaint town encircled
by simply spectacular beauty. Bordered
by the River Usk and overlooked by the
looming Black Mountains, Crickhowell
is the perfect rest point for a weekend
away. Spend your days exploring the
great outdoors, with a range of activities
including kayaking, hang-gliding, rock
climbing and hiking. When your legs are
wearied and boots muddied, rest at one
of the many comfortable B&Bs or swig
a deserved pint at The Dragon’s Head.
Crickhowell even has some great spots
of its own to discover, including the
18th-century bridge with odd spans or
the award-winning Green Man Festival
at Glanusk Park.
WORM’S HEAD, RHOSSILI
Reaching out into the ocean like a
leviathan serpent escaping the land, the
Worm’s Head provides unrivalled views
of Rhossili Bay and the Welsh landscape
from over a mile out to sea. Sturdy
footwear is required as sharp rocks
and a near-vertical scramble to reach
the head accompany an ever-changing
gradient, while keep an eye out for grey
seals lazing on the outcrops below,
and the remnants of shipwrecks and
historic civilisations. Timing is crucial
in walking the Worm’s Head, as the
pic: GIRL INTERRUPTED EATING
jagged causeway which leads out from
the cliffs to the start of the Worm is only
accessible at high and low tides, for
approximately two hours. Plan your trip
wisely to avoid getting cut off by the tide,
as happened to a young Dylan Thomas
in this very spot.
WILD SWIMMING IN
PONTNEDDFECHAN
If your local pool isn’t quite cutting it
for you and you’re willing to brave the
cold, head out to Pontneddfechan to
sample some wild swimming. Take a dip
in a range of rivers, lakes and waterfall
pools to truly get back to the basics.
Hike on your route of choice to one of
the Horseshoe Falls, Lady Falls or Little
Canyon and experience surrounding
amphitheatres of beauty to each water
spot. Plunge into wonderful preserved
inverse caverns, feel the gush of the
falls first hand by following paths
behind the fluid curtains, or take an
organised caving tour to discover further
mysteries underground. Remember to
take precautions when wild swimming
– only visit recognised locations and
avoid swimming in adverse weather
conditions.
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